’My title or my life’

Producer N S Rajkumar threatens to commit suicide if Censor Board refuses to allow him to use Hodi Maga (Thrash him, son!) as title of his new film

'My title or my life'

Producer N S Rajkumar threatens to commit suicide if Censor Board refuses to allow him to use Hodi Maga (Thrash him, son!) as title of his new film

The Censor Board has instructed the producer of a Kannada film to avoid violent language in the title, but the producer says he would rather die than change the title.

N S Rajkumar is the producer of a Shivarajkumar film due for release in the next couple weeks.

"If they don't allow me to use it, I will kill myself."

Rajkumar, who was a production manager with the well-known Vajreshwari Combines, is making his second film as producer.

Inspired

The title is taken from a hit song from another Shivarajkumar starrer, Jogi. Sung by Vijay Yesudas and Prem, the song is shot on a sword-weilding gang baying for revenge.

Shivarajkumar, one of Kannada moviedom's most expensive heroes, was not available for comment, as he is away shooting at Dubai.

Chandrashekhar A, regional censor officer, said he had cautioned the producers against the title six months ago. "I wrote a formal letter to them, but they chose to ignore it," he said.

The producers were given approval for the title only ten days ago. "How did they go ahead and do the posters without any approval?" he said.

Chandrashekhar said he had full authority to suggest a change in title. "Movie makers must read the censor guidelines before they make films," he said.

Karnataka Film Chamber president Jayamala was not available for comment.

Why the row?
The title, Hodi Maga, means 'Give them a thrashing, son!' But in the context of Kannada rowdy films, it could mean 'Finish him off!'

The producers have taken the title from a hit song from the film Jogi, shot on rowdies roaming the streets with swords in their hands.

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